Built in Castellammare di Stabia and launched on 12 June 1881, the 2760 t Flavio Gioia, with mixed steam propulsion (4156 hp alternative engine powered by eight boilers) and sail (two masts with square sails and one with auric sails) was armed with eight 150/40 mm and three 75 mm guns with a crew of 268 men including 11 officers. The speed was about 14 knots.
Designed by the Genio Navale inspector Carlo Vigna, the installation of the steam engine capable of developing around 4000 hp and of the low weight of 47 t, allowed the transition from gunboat to high speed cruise unit, the first Italian cruiser.
Source: Military Navy
